High Chaparral's Baller Brave in Bobbie Lewis

Mark Smith - Saturday September 10

Two Queensland veterans whose best days looked to be behind them triumphed on Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.

After the 8yo Snitzel gelding Scallopini led at every call in the Listed Sofitel Stakes, the 7yo Baller toughed out a fourth stakes win in the  Group II Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m).

Baller toughs it out (image Grant Courtney)

 A third winner on the day for Mark Zahra, the Tony Gollan-trained son of High Chaparral defeated the Group 1 VRC Newmarket Handicap winner Roch 'N' Horse (Per Incanto) by a short-half-head with the favourite Swats That (Shamus Award) a further three-quarter of a length back in third.

Zahra revealed that Gollan was not happy when Baller drew the inside barrier.

"Tony had a few choice words about the gate, and so did I because I've drawn inside in the first two (straight) races and just had no luck," Zahra said.

"He's an absolute gentleman of a horse. He gave me a beautiful ride, and I was in there a while while they were fixing the bridle on Veraskova. He just stood there quietly, which might have helped because I was just a fraction slow away, which was good because I could get some cover.

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"Even though I was on the inside of them, I was on the back of Swats That, and I stayed there as long as possible. When I came out, Veranskova came with me, and I gave him a shake, and he gave a really good kick, a great kick."

Part owner Clive McKerr indicated the Gilgai (Stakes) and possibly the Darley (Champions Sprint), as possible options.

Purchased by Anthony Cummings for $160,000 out of the Baramul Stud draft at the 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Baller advances his record to eight wins, three seconds, and three thirds from 30 starts with earnings of  $919,715.

He is the best of six winners from seven to race out of the Encosta De Lago mare Fuwa. A granddaughter of Group 1 AJC Champagne Stakes winner Isolda, Fuwa died in 2017.

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Race Result - Bobbie Lewis Qlty Gr2 1200m

Flemington Track: Soft(6) Time: 1:11.60
1
Baller
- 7g High Chaparral (IRE) x Fuwa (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: T J Gollan Rdr: M Zahra 57
2
0.1
Roch 'n' Horse
- 6m Per Incanto (USA) x Rochfort (NZ) (Cecconi (AUS))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: Patrick Moloney 57.5
3
0.9
Swats That
- 5m Shamus Award (AUS) x Is It A Mosquito (AUS) (Bel Esprit (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: B Melham 55
4
1.0
Red Can Man
- 6g Gingerbread Man (AUS) x Brocky's Ace (AUS) (Surtee (AUS))
Tnr: S J Wolfe Rdr: S Mc Gruddy 55.5
5
2.0
Graceful Girl
- 5m Nicconi (AUS) x Avenida Madero (AUS) (Metal Storm (FR))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: Tim Clark 57
6
2.2
The Astrologist
- 6g Zoustar (AUS) x Aquada (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: L & T Corstens Rdr: Zac Spain 57
7
2.4
Shooting For Gold
- 5g Shooting To Win (AUS) x Amber's Crown (AUS) (Excites (AUS))
Tnr: S O'Dea & M Hoysted Rdr: Jamie Kah 54.5
8
2.6
Veranskova
- 5m Written Tycoon (AUS) x Kirvinsky (NZ) (Stravinsky (USA))
Tnr: Ms C Alderson Rdr: Craig Williams 53
9
2.7
Stageman
- 8g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Best Feature (AUS) (Secret Savings (USA))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: D Oliver 56.5
10
2.8
Zoutori
- 7g Zoustar (AUS) x Atotori (AUS) (Haradasun (AUS))
Tnr: M J Ellerton Rdr: Damian Lane 58.5
11
2.9
Roheryn
- 7g Lonhro (AUS) x Mannington (AUS) (Danehill (USA))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: B Shinn 56
12
5.4
Hard Empire
- 9g Hard Spun (USA) x Last Quill (AUS) (Last Tycoon (IRE))
Tnr: A J & T Edmonds Rdr: B Mc Dougall 57.5
13
5.9
Poland
- 5g So You Think (NZ) x Sun Song (AUS) (Desert Sun (GB))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: C Newitt 53
14
17.9
Chat
- 6g Deep Field (AUS) x Only Words (AUS) (End Sweep (USA))
Tnr: John Thompson Rdr: M J Dee 53
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